LINQ (Language Integrated Query)

Definition: LINQ -- or Language Integrated Query -- is a .NET Framework component developed by Microsoft that provides the ability for .NET languages to perform data queries. According to Microsoft's LINQ Project website, LINQ "extends C# and Visual Basic with native language syntax for queries and provides class libraries to take advantage of these capabilities."

LINQ implements object-to-database mapping and provides a set of operators that enable the developer to create database queries directly in .NET code. The SQL-like operators support data retrieval as well as data insert, update, and delete operations—for instance, LINQ provides Select, Where, and OrderBy operators.